Hornets' Kon Knueppel showing there's another Duke rookie star

The Charlotte Hornets are getting a lot out of their rookies

Knueppel is one of three rookies giving the Hornets hope during their 4-9 start. The wins aren't coming yet, but Charlotte has gone from having the NBA's second-worst offensive rating in 2024-25 to a respectable 16th this season. Some of that is due to Knueppel's efficient scoring (45.6 percent overall), but rookie Ryan Kalkbrenner has been a surprising offensive force at center.

Kalkbrenner is averaging 10.2 points and 6.8 rebounds and has only missed 12 shots in 12 games. He's making 81.8 percent of his shots, mostly very close to the basket, while also blocking 2.3 shots per game and averaging one steal. For a player they drafted at No. 34 this year, that's amazing production.

Another second-round pick has played the third-most minutes for the Hornets. Sion James, Knueppel's Duke teammate last year, has started eight games after he was the No. 33 pick. He's making 48.8 percent of his three-pointers and 84.2 percent of his free throws.

The Hornets are 2.1 points per 100 possessions better with Kalkbrenner on the floor, 2.8 points better with Knueppel and 4.3 points per 100 better when James plays. If Miller can return from his shoulder subluxation soon and Ball's ankle heals, the Hornets could have a top-10 offense, buoyed largely by their 2025 draft class.

The Hornets didn't win the draft lottery to land Flagg. Getting two of his college teammates has been a huge boost to their team anyway.